Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Commercial cachet to underpin new FC United stadium

The team behind a new football stadium for FC United of Manchester is hoping the commercial cachet of hosting events there will underpin its use as a community facility.

Spokesman Andy Walker told Insider the club would be a focal point for community use while also functioning as commercial hub for meetings, functions and events.

His comments came as the club signed specific agreements with Manchester City Council relating to its future use by the local community meaning construction work can start this autumn.

Walker said: "The new stadium will have function rooms, offices and a medical room. These will be available for community use and we would look to hire these out for commercial use but there won't be any corporate boxes.

"We hope they will become a hub for community events but that also there is a cachet in hosting events and meetings at a football ground."

Planning permission for the new 5,000-seater stadium in Moston had previously been granted subject to finalising these new deals, known as Section 106 Agreements, before construction work can start.

FC United of Manchester is a supporter-owned club formed by Manchester United fans following the takeover of the latter by the Glazer family in 2005.

The stadium project is expected to cost in the region of £4.6m with just under half to come from donations and shares costing £200 each.

All shareholders in the club will receive one vote in decisions and elections regardless of how much money they have invested.

Further funding is expected to come via grants from bodies such as Sport England and the Football Foundation and the club are hoping to start the 2013/14 season in their new home.